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Walking and Talking

Walking and Talking is a 1996 American independent comedy-drama film written and directed by Nicole Holofcener in her feature directorial debut.^[1] The film stars Catherine Keener as Amelia, a video store clerk dealing with personal insecurities, and Anne Heche as her best friend Laura, whose engagement prompts reflections on their evolving relationship.^[2] Set in New York City, it examines themes of friendship, romance, and self-doubt through intimate, dialogue-driven scenes.^[3] The story centers on Amelia's anxiety as Laura prepares to move out after getting engaged, forcing Amelia to confront her own stalled life and romantic prospects, including awkward dates and support from quirky friends.^[1] Supporting roles are played by Liev Schreiber as Amelia's potential love interest Andrew, Todd Field as Laura's fiancé Frank, and Kevin Corrigan as Bill, a pet shop employee.^[1] Holofcener crafted the screenplay to highlight authentic female perspectives on everyday emotional challenges.^[4] Produced on a modest budget of $1 million, Walking and Talking premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 1996, where it received positive buzz for its naturalistic performances and humor.^[1] It was theatrically released in the United States on July 17, 1996, by Miramax Films and grossed $1.3 million at the box office worldwide.^[2] The film earned nominations at the 1997 Independent Spirit Awards for Best Female Lead (Catherine Keener) and Best Supporting Male (Kevin Corrigan), as well as recognition at the Deauville Film Festival and Chlotrudis Awards.^[5] Critics praised the film's witty yet poignant portrayal of adult friendships and relationships, with Roger Ebert noting its cheerful resolution amid fraught situations.^[3] It holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 reviews, with the consensus highlighting Holofcener's skill in blending humor with life's pains.^[2] The movie has since been recognized as a key work in independent cinema of the 1990s, influencing Holofcener's later films like Please Give and Enough Said.^[4]

Background

Development

Nicole Holofcener drew inspiration for Walking and Talking from her personal experiences navigating friendships and romantic relationships in New York City during her late twenties, particularly the emotional turmoil of her closest friend getting married, which left her feeling abandoned and insecure.^[6]^[7] The film's central dynamic between best friends Amelia and Laura reflects this, capturing the strains of personal growth and partnership in an urban setting. Holofcener has noted that the Amelia character closely mirrored her own life at the time, including insecurities about singledom and a comfortable yet unfulfilling existence supported by family resources.^[6] The script's development began in the early 1990s as Holofcener transitioned from directing short films, such as Angry (1991), to feature-length work, leveraging connections from her shorts to build credibility with producers. She wrote the first draft relatively quickly but underwent extensive revisions—estimated at 30 to 40 drafts—over several years, starting with character notes and minimal outlining to allow organic storytelling. To refine the script, Holofcener participated in the Sundance Institute's January Screenwriters' Lab, where mentors including Alice Arlen, Kit Carson, and Sydney Pollack provided feedback, followed by a reading at the June Filmmakers' Lab that further honed the dialogue and structure.^[7]^[8] Securing funding proved challenging for Holofcener's debut feature, with initial options from Zenith Productions falling through after partial commitments from foreign markets collapsed, leading to repeated rewrites based on producer notes. Ultimately, producer Ted Hope of Good Machine facilitated financing from three international distributors, enabling a modest budget of $1 million and allowing flexibility in casting non-star actors.^[8]^[9] Key creative decisions emphasized naturalistic dialogue drawn directly from overheard conversations and personal anecdotes, such as a friend's offhand remark about a romantic interest, to foster authenticity. Holofcener prioritized character-driven narratives focused on relational nuances over dramatic plot twists, trimming subplots like professional details to keep the emphasis on emotional intimacy and everyday conflicts.^[7]^[10]

Casting

Nicole Holofcener cast Anne Heche as Laura after an early audition, drawn to her humor, beauty, and ability to deliver lines with a mix of vulnerability and vulgarity, such as the character's casual admission of farting.^[7] Heche's background in theater, starting from dinner theater roles in her early career, informed her naturalistic performance in the film. For the lead role of Amelia, Holofcener selected Catherine Keener, whom she had admired in the 1991 film Johnny Suede and envisioned as her ideal muse; this marked the first of their multiple collaborations, including Lovely & Amazing (2001), Friends with Money (2006), and Enough Said (2013).^[7]^[11] The supporting cast included Liev Schreiber as Andrew, chosen on the recommendation of director Greg Mottola and praised for adding dignity and depth to the character beyond the script; Todd Field as Frank, selected after Holofcener saw his work in Ruby in Paradise (1993); and Kevin Corrigan as Bill, cast following his audition and prior appearance in Living in Oblivion (1995), where he fully embodied the role's awkwardness.^[7] These actors were selected in part for their improvisational abilities, which allowed them to refine dialogue and scenes during production, such as Keener and Heche contributing to dialogue and scene refinements during production.^[7] Holofcener's casting approach drew from her personal circle, incorporating real-life friends' anecdotes into the script—such as a line about a sponge smelling like a hot dog, inspired by friend Alison Rosa—to promote authentic interactions among the ensemble.^[7] To maintain spontaneity, rehearsals were limited to about two weeks of sporadic sessions, focusing primarily on the leads Keener and Heche to build their chemistry while avoiding over-preparation for certain awkward dynamics, like those between Amelia and Bill.^[7] This minimal preparation preserved the film's improvisational feel and the actors' natural rapport.^[7]

Production

Filming

Principal photography for Walking and Talking took place over a 25-day schedule in the summer of 1995.^[8] The production was filmed entirely on location in New York City, with a focus on authentic Manhattan settings to capture the everyday lives of its characters, including real studio apartments in neighborhoods such as the East Village for scenes involving supporting character Andrew.^[7] To achieve an intimate, realistic feel, director Nicole Holofcener employed a low-key approach, utilizing natural lighting and handheld cameras that allowed for fluid, vignette-like scenes emphasizing character interactions over dramatic flourishes.^[7] Cinematographer Michael Spiller contributed to this documentary-style aesthetic with clean, subtly moving shots that provided an accessible and appealing visual texture, rare for an independent production of the era.^[12] His work favored medium shots to highlight comedic timing and relational dynamics, capturing emotional nuance through restrained framing rather than extreme close-ups.^[7]^[13] Holofcener encouraged improvisation on set to infuse the dialogue with natural authenticity, such as when actors adjusted lines during rehearsals—for instance, replacing a reference to an "amusement park" smell with a more grounded "hot dog" aroma from a nearby sponge.^[7] One notable on-set incident involved lead actress Catherine Keener accidentally stabbing herself in the eye with a prop but persisting through the take, underscoring the committed, low-budget ethos of the shoot.^[7] These elements helped foster the film's breezy yet insightful tone amid the logistical constraints of location filming in urban environments.^[12]

Music and sound design

The original score for Walking and Talking was composed by Billy Bragg, whose contributions include both songs and instrumental cues that enhance the film's intimate portrayal of personal relationships.^[14] Bragg's work on the soundtrack album features his signature acoustic guitar-driven folk style, evident in tracks like "She's Got a New Spell" and "The Fourteenth of February," which underscore moments of emotional reflection and companionship.^[15] These elements align with Bragg's broader musical approach, blending folk traditions with introspective lyrics to support the narrative's focus on everyday introspection.^[16] The film's soundtrack incorporates a selection of indie rock songs to evoke the 1990s urban youth culture, including "Go West" by Liz Phair and "Not Given Lightly" by Frente!.^[17] Additional tracks, such as "2 AM" by Catherine and "The Diving Bell" by Joe Henry, further integrate contemporary indie sounds that mirror the characters' modern, relatable experiences.^[18] The official soundtrack release, issued by TVT Soundtrax in 1996, compiles these pieces alongside score cues like "Anticipated Anger Scene" and "Notice Mole Scene," performed by Bragg or collaborators such as Greg Wardson.^[15] Post-production audio work, including mixing, was finalized in late 1995 following the film's 25-day shoot earlier that year, prioritizing clear dialogue to capture the naturalistic conversations central to the story.^[8] This approach ensured the sound elements complemented the improvisational style of the performances without overpowering the verbal exchanges.^[8]

Release

Premiere

Walking and Talking had its world premiere at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival, where it screened on January 19.^[12] The film competed in the Dramatic category and earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize, highlighting director Nicole Holofcener's debut feature as a poignant exploration of female friendship.^[19] The Sundance screening generated significant interest from distributors, with Miramax acquiring the rights shortly after the festival.^[20] This buzz was amplified by promotional events, including Q&A sessions featuring Holofcener and cast members such as Catherine Keener and Anne Heche, which engaged audiences on the film's themes of relationships and personal growth.^[21] The modest production budget, under $1 million, facilitated its entry into the indie festival circuit and paved the way for wider exposure.^[22] Miramax subsequently arranged a limited theatrical release in the United States on July 17, 1996.^[23]

Distribution and box office

Walking and Talking received a limited theatrical release in the United States on July 17, 1996, distributed by Miramax Films. It opened in just 5 theaters, earning $44,602 during its debut weekend, before expanding to a maximum of 60 theaters over its run. The film ultimately grossed $1,287,480 domestically, reflecting modest commercial success for an independent production with a reported budget of around $1 million.^[24]^[25] Internationally, the film was handled by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment for distribution in select markets, including a theatrical release in the United Kingdom on October 18, 1996, and in France on March 5, 1997. This limited overseas rollout contributed to a worldwide total of $1,615,787, with international earnings of approximately $328,307. Following its successful premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier that year, the marketing emphasized its status as an indie character study, targeting urban audiences through festival buzz and print advertisements in publications like The New York Times and Variety.^[23]^[24] On home media, Miramax released Walking and Talking on VHS on March 18, 1997, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond theaters. The DVD followed on May 21, 2002, featuring standard-definition video and basic extras, which helped sustain interest in the film during the early DVD era. In the 2010s, it became available for digital streaming on platforms including Netflix, where it streamed starting around 2015, introducing it to new generations via on-demand services.^[26]^[27]^[28]

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Walking and Talking received largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its authentic portrayal of female friendships and character-driven storytelling. Janet Maslin of The New York Times commended the film's "revealing little intimacies and nicely neurotic wit," highlighting the genuine dialogue that captures the nuances of the protagonists' bond.^[29] Similarly, Variety lauded the ensemble performances, particularly Catherine Keener and Anne Heche's "entirely winning" and "vibrant" turns, which bring emotional range and humor to the exploration of romance and friendship anxieties.^[12] As of 2025, the film holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 critic reviews.^[2] Some critiques were mixed, acknowledging the film's strengths while noting structural limitations. Roger Ebert awarded it three out of four stars, appreciating its subtle emotional depth in depicting relatable struggles without resorting to melodrama, but observed that the lack of major dramatic events can make the narrative feel understated and occasionally meandering.^[3] Critics frequently celebrated the film's focus on female friendships as a core strength, portraying the evolving relationship between the leads with warmth and realism amid personal transitions.^[29]^[12] This emphasis aligned with 1990s indie aesthetics, emphasizing dialogue-heavy, low-stakes scenarios that prioritize character quirks over plot-driven spectacle.^[3] The movie drew comparisons to Nicole Holofcener's later works, such as Friends with Money, for its similar dissection of interpersonal dynamics among women.^[30] Despite its critical acclaim, the film underperformed at the box office, grossing just $1.3 million domestically against a $1 million budget.^[25]

Audience and legacy

Over the years, Walking and Talking has cultivated a dedicated cult following, particularly among indie film enthusiasts and fans of feminist cinema, earning recognition as one of the era's standout character-driven comedies.^[31]^[32] Its breakthrough status at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered after Holofcener's participation in the Institute's labs, helped solidify its place in the independent film canon, with the film's intimate portrayal of female friendship resonating through word-of-mouth appreciation in niche audiences.^[33] The movie played a pivotal role in elevating Nicole Holofcener's career, marking her directorial debut and establishing her signature style of witty, observational dramedies centered on women's lives.^[33] This approach has influenced subsequent female-directed works, including those of Greta Gerwig, whose early films like Frances Ha echo Holofcener's focus on relational dynamics and everyday absurdities among young women.^[34] Building on its initial critical praise for authentic dialogue and performances, the film's legacy endures as a touchstone for indie filmmakers exploring personal growth and interpersonal tensions.^[31]

References

[1]
Walking and Talking (1996) - IMDb
Rating 6.7/10 (4,236) "Walking and Talking" shows a talented Nicole Holofcener at her best. The film shows us a director who knows a lot about the complicated balance of the ...
[2]
Walking and Talking - Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 88% (25) As it's written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, an independent film superstar renowned for her ability to find frothy diversion within the pains of life, we ...
[3]
Walking And Talking movie review (1996) - Roger Ebert
Rating 3/4 · Review by Roger EbertWritten and directed by Nicole Holofcener, it is not a soap opera or a melodrama, and many of our fears, about Frank and others, do not materialize. One thing I ...
[4]
Walking, Talking, & Hurting Feelings: Nicole Holofcener's Everyday ...
Oct 3, 2023 · Walking and Talking (Nicole Holofcener, 1996). The nineties cluster of everyday dramedies includes Holofcener's first film, Walking and Talking ...
[5]
Walking and Talking Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 3.4 (15) Awards. Awards. View All. Film Independent Spirit Awards. • 2 Nominations. Chlotrudis Awards. • 2 Nominations. Sundance Film Festival. • 1 Nomination. Related ...
[6]
An Interview with Nicole Holofcener - Believer Magazine
May 1, 2006 · BLVR: Where did the title Walking and Talking come from? NH: I was going out with this guy in New York and we were walking down the street, ...
[7]
Writing and Directing Walking and Talking - Tod Lippy
(The interview with Nicole Holofcener was conducted by Tod Lippy at her apartment in New York City.) Related. Magazine: Scenario, Vol. 2, No. 3 ...
[8]
FIRST-PERSON | Nicole Holofcener Recalls Making “Walking and ...
Jul 5, 2011 · Editor's note: The following First-Person column was written by Nicole Holofcener in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of her first feature, ...Missing: City | Show results with:City
[9]
Nicole Holofcener's Walking and Talking 20 years later. (VIDEO)
Sep 13, 2016 · (Walking and Talking's production budget was $1 million, at a time when the average Hollywood film cost around 50 times that.)
[10]
5 Films That Exemplify Nicole Holofcener's Character-Driven ...
Sep 18, 2018 · Holofcener's beloved writing and directing debut “Walking and Talking” set the stage for a long career of droll, female-driven work to follow.Missing: naturalistic dialogue
[11]
Q&A: 'Enough Said' Duo Catherine Keener, Nicole Holofcener
Oct 1, 2013 · However they met, it's lucky for Hollywood, because they have been scaling the movie industry together ever since 1996's “Walking and Talking.” ...
[12]
Walking and Talking (1996) - Filming & production - IMDb
Filming locations · New Jersey, USA · New York City, New York, USA · West Milford, New Jersey, USA.Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
[13]
Walking and Talking - Variety
Jan 21, 1996 · The clean images and subtly moving camera of Hal Hartley regular Michael Spiller give the film an accessible and appealing look, and other ...
[14]
FILM REVIEW;Friends Facing Life's Insults With Humor - The New ...
Her film has a brisk style and clean good looks, thanks to exceptionally attractive cinematography by Michael Spiller. (Mr. Spiller has been similarly ...
[15]
'Walking and Talking' Is a Wry Look at Friendships
Jul 17, 1996 · Times guidelines: The film has adult situations and themes throughout ... A box-office behemoth, horror finally has Oscar voters' attention.
[16]
Various - Walking And Talking
### Summary of Walking and Talking Soundtrack Tracklist
[17]
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118113/soundtrack/
[18]
Walking and Talking (1996) - Soundtracks - IMDb
She's Got a New Spell. Written and Performed by Billy Bragg · Peeny Wally. Performed by Soul Defenders · 2 AM. Performed by Catherine · Requiem. Written and ...
[19]
Walking and Talking Soundtrack - SoundtrackINFO
1. She's Got A New Spell - Billy Bragg [3:23] · 2. Not Given Lightly - Frente [3:29] · 3. Anticipated Anger Scene [0:27] · 4. Going Home - Greenhouse 27 [3:28].Missing: film | Show results with:film
[20]
Walking And Talking - Official Site - Miramax
"Walking and Talking" shows that the ups and downs of modern romance aren't ... Awards. 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Nominated. Grand Jury Prize. Related.
[21]
https://defector.com/anne-heche-for-me-is-anne-heche-in-walking-and-talking
[22]
Anne Heche For Me Is Anne Heche In 'Walking And Talking' | Defector
Aug 16, 2022 · The shoot lasted only 25 days on a budget of $1 million. As Holofcener told Indiewire on the film's 15th anniversary, “It was stressful but ...
[23]
Walking and Talking - notcoming.com
Jul 3, 2006 · Made for under a million dollars—a low figure even during that era of boasting about small budgets—the film was directed by a first-time female ...
[24]
Walking and Talking (1996) - Release info - IMDb
Release date · United States. January 1996(Sundance Film Festival) · United States. July 17, 1996 · Italy. October 4, 1996 · France. October 9, 1996 · United Kingdom.Missing: Filmmakers Trophy
[25]
Walking and Talking (1996) - Box Office and Financial Information
Walking and Talking (1996). Walking and Talking. Theatrical Performance. Domestic Box Office, $1,287,480, Details. International Box Office, $328,307, Details.
[26]
Walking and Talking (1996) - Box Office Mojo
Domestic (100%) $1,287,480 ; International (–) – ; Worldwide $1,287,480.Missing: film awards
[27]
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment - Wikipedia
17 July 1996, Walking and Talking, international distribution only; co-production with Channel Four Films, Zenith Productions, Pandora Film, Mikado Films ...
[28]
Walking and Talking/Home media | Moviepedia | Fandom
VHS. Walking and Talking (Demo VHS). 1997 ; VHS · Walking and Talking (VHS). March 18, 1997 ; DVD. Walking and Talking 2002 DVD. May 21, 2002 ; DVD · December 6, ...
[29]
Walking and Talking DVD - Blu-ray.com
Walking and Talking DVD Release Date May 21, 2002. DVD reviews, news, specs, ratings, screenshots. Cheap DVD movies and deals.
[30]
The 22 Best Woman-Directed Films Streaming on Netflix | Tribeca
Aug 17, 2015 · ... Walking and Talking is perhaps ideal for fans of Bridesmaids, Girls, or Sex and the City, but it'll also appeal to anyone seeking a moving ...
[31]
FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW;Of Romance and Friendship
Mar 29, 1996 · "Walking and Talking," a date movie so enjoyably prickly it will seem funniest if you don't have a date, goes straight to the heart of the ...
[32]
Friends with Money Movie Review | Common Sense Media
Rating 3.0 · Review by Cynthia FuchsSep 21, 2019 · Like Nicole Holofcener's first two films, Walking and Talking and Lovely & Amazing, Friends with Money treats its characters with respect and in ...
[33]
Anne Heche's Best Movies According To Rotten Tomatoes - Looper
Aug 12, 2022 · Heche's third highest rated film is the 1996 cult classic Walking and Talking. Laura looking on in Walking and Talking Miramax Films/YouTube.
[34]
17th Annual Final Draft® Awards to honor Guillermo del Toro, Jane ...
Her first film, “Walking and Talking” (Miramax – Catherine Keener, Anne Heche), was named to Entertainment Weekly's list of “Top 50 Cult Films of All Time.
[35]
How Sundance Institute Labs Pave the Way for Influential Artists
May 30, 2023 · ... cult classic Walking and Talking. The film had its premiere at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Nicole Holofcener at the 1992 Directors Lab ...
[36]
Every Nicole Holofcener Movie, Ranked - Collider
Aug 10, 2024 · She possesses a truly brilliant ability to write very genuine dialogue and capture intimate and sometimes mundane moments in relationships and ...<|control11|><|separator|>